U.S. President Donald Trump is set to attend Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The move highlights Trump’s growing involvement with global football, as he positions the sport as a soft power tool during what he calls the “Golden Age of America.”
The match will serve as a dress rehearsal for next year’s FIFA World Cup final, which will also be held at MetLife Stadium. Trump’s presence underscores his long-standing alliance with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has frequently visited the former president and even presented him with a Club World Cup trophy that now sits in Trump’s Oval Office.
Though traditionally more associated with American football and baseball, Trump’s relationship with soccer appears personal as well as political. According to Infantino, Trump’s son Barron is an avid fan of the game, which has reportedly influenced Trump’s own interest.
“In his first term there was a soccer goal in the White House garden,” Infantino noted during a press conference at FIFA’s new office in Trump Tower. “He told me his son loved football — and as a parent, you love what your children love.”
Trump, who reportedly played soccer briefly during his time at New York Military Academy, sees football as a valuable tool to project American excellence. During Infantino’s March visit, he reminded the media that the United States won the bid for the 2026 World Cup during his presidency.
While football is gaining traction in the U.S., it still lags behind the country’s major sports. Nevertheless, Trump has recognized its growing influence, especially with successful tournaments like the Club World Cup drawing millions in attendance.
Still, controversy hasn’t been far behind. Trump recently stirred debate when, hosting Juventus players in June, he made remarks about transgender athletes and questioned gender roles in football. Additionally, his strict immigration policies have raised concerns about whether foreign fans will feel welcomed at future tournaments.
Despite the controversy, Trump’s attendance on Sunday signals football’s rising profile in American politics — and his intent to remain center stage.
